Construction 19: Master Bath, Kitchen, Pool, Temple, Garden

Temple under construction to Left and garage behind.

We have been back Bali for more than two weeks, but have not updated with more recent photos until now. Things are at that stage where most of the changes are small and less noticable. Nevertheless, the devil is in the details and the Tropis Living team is on top of everything.

House from driveway

From entrance toward garage

One of the last major projects has been to put down the drive and walk ways.  This was impossible when there was heavy rain daily.  Now, rain is not daily and its amount is not substantial. In fact, it has been critical to get water from the well for the new gardens.  A temporary pump is in place and super water is coming out.  It is from about 100 meters deep, crystal clear and has 119 ppm of total dissolved solids. Excellent!  We have installed an small reverse osmosis system in the kitchen that will reduce to less that 10 ppm.

Pool being filled from the new water well.  Not clean yet!

With the well working so nicely, we have been filling the pool.  It is growing algae nicely too!  The rest of the pool equipment will be in place next week including the solar powered pool pump so the pool will be operational soon.

Master Bath toward northwest

The bathrooms are almost finished.  I've chosen some photos of the master bath which is nearly complete except for the lighting. The tub is from a single stone as are the wash basins. These are common things in Bali.  As you can see, one wall opens to the sky which helps reduce the humidity.

Door from dressing room into Master Bath

There are some very important details missing. The septic tanks are not ready.  The solar panels for the well and pool pumps are not in place and there are days of cleaning yet to be done.  Yet, we are very happy and enjoying the whole process.

Northeast Master Bath wall

Construction 18: Kitchen, floors and more

We received more photos from Mr. Roland today.  Lot of craftsmen doing lots of things.  The floors are almost finished.  The finish carpenters are installing the cabinets made in their workshop, doors and windows.  Most of the stone work is finished including the swimming pool.

Kitchen cabinets and door facing living space

Completed terracotta

Living space toward kitchen, terracotta getting Ulin wood accent

Master bedroom opening onto north veranda and steps into pool

Stone finish on master bath open air shower

Construction 17: Surfaces and More Surfaces

We're in Langkawi; however, Roland has been sending updates.  Major activities now are the terracotta floors for the verandas and the paving stones for the driveway and walkways.

The pool is also being finished as well as the tile-work and terrazzo in the bathrooms.

New terracotta on west veranda and sliding doors for guest bedroom

North veranda gets terracotta tile too

Cement and pebbles being placed around the stones

Driveway stones being laid out

Construction 16: Bath Tub, Floors and Driveway

Things are hopping!  Even though there were three holidays this week in Bali, the workers were very busy up to and immediately after the Nyepi Balinese New Year's holiday.

There is a lot of driveway and walkway stone to be laid and they began that this week.  Also, there is a lot of terracotta tiles for the verandas and that too is well underway.

It was quite exciting to have the 5 tonne natural stone tub delivered.  Not a trivial task; however, it was completed and now sits in the Master Bathroom.

Other workers are finishing the fine coat plaster and doing the terrazzo in the guest bathroom showers and vanities.  There is a lot of hand work and it is done with professional flare.

Stones being laid out in carport

Example of finished driveway and walkway

Master Bathroom with stone tub and installation of stone wall tiles

Terracotta being laid, west veranda

Master Bedroom with grey paras stone floor

Construction 15: Cabinets and Floor Tiles

Today we had a visit to the workshop where all the doors, cabinets, tables, wardrobes and beds are being handmade.  It is only 20 minutes drive from Villa Cengkeh.  Most pieces are being made from plantation grown teak and will be finished only with oil.  The kitchen cabinets will be painted grey/white.

L to R: Kadek the furniture craftsman,
Roland the contractor and Susan reviewing
cabinet plans for kitchen

Unfished teak wardrobes

Foreground: teak doors, background: teak guest bed.

Many things are happening onsite.  Laying of the floor tiles has begun.  The dropped ceilings for the air conditioned spaces is being installed.  Wall tiles continue in the bathroom.  The roofs final decorative details are being finished.

Guest bedroom ceramic tile being laid down

3.75 meter high "dropped" ceiling for master bedroom

Balinese detail in the roof construction

Veranda for master bedroom and study.  This will all be terracotta tiles

Construction 14: Roof almost finished

We have returned to Lovina and are amazed at the progress on Villa Cengkeh.
 While the roof has taken much longer to construct than originally thought, the roof team from Java have persevered and have done a beautiful job.  The Ulin (Iron Wood) shingles have a nice appearance.  Currently they are brown, but we expect them to become more gray with age.

Tile and stone is being placed into the bathrooms now, the batu tempel is being applied to the foundation walls, the plumbing and wiring has mostly been run.

Work will start on the floor tiles once the Kuningan holiday is finished.

Of course, it is apparent that the garden is taking shape too.  There has been a lot of rain which is good for the plants, but challenging for the roof workers.

The Front with new garden

The Back, or the other front

Guest Wing

Guest Wing II

Guest Wing Veranda at 4:30 pm

Master Bedroom Veranda and Pool

Construction 13: Roof, Pool & Bathrooms

Mr. Roland, the head construction manager, was on holiday last week, so we have not had photos for a while.  It is impressive how quickly things progress.  The roof is said to be a week away from being finished.  Most of the stone tiles in the pool are in place except where the steps are to be placed.  The various stone finishes for the bathrooms, inside and out are coming along too.

All that plus a substantial amount of landscaping during these rainy days!

We will head to Bali for a visit this coming weeks.  Quite exciting for us.

South End, Guest Room

Verandah over pool

Roof over verandah

Uncleaned Bali Dark Green stone tiles in pool looking westward

Stone batu tempel going onto the guest showers' outside wall

Paras stone going onto guest bathroom walls